Frameworks and methodologies configured to enable real-time location-specific determination of recreationally relevant wave characteristic data, including generation and delivery of location-specific ocean wave notifications

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the generation of electronic notifications relating to ocean waves. Embodiments include frameworks and methodologies configured to enable real-time location-specific determination of recreationally relevant wave characteristic data, including (bot not limited to) generation and delivery of location-specific ocean wave notifications. Embodiments include, by way of example, technology for providing real-time location-specific determination of recreationally relevant wave characteristic data, portable and/or wearable devices configured to deliver notifications in respect of approaching waves, wave monitoring devices and frameworks configured to enable generation of alert notifications for surfers, rock fishers and other recreational users, and generation and delivery of location-specific ocean wave data, including visual data for event broadcasts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT Application No.PCT/AU2017/050888 filed on Aug. 22, 2017, which claims priority to AUPatent Application No. 2016903317 filed on Aug. 22, 2016, AU PatentApplication No. 2016903319 filed on Aug. 22, 2016, AU Patent ApplicationNo. 2016903321 filed on Aug. 22, 2016, AU Patent Application No.2016903327 filed on Aug. 22, 2016, and AU Patent Application No.2017900828 filed on Mar. 9, 2017, the disclosures of which areincorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the generation of electronicnotifications relating to ocean waves. Embodiments include frameworksand methodologies configured to enable real-time location-specificdetermination of recreationally relevant wave characteristic data,including (but not limited to) generation and delivery oflocation-specific ocean wave notifications. Embodiments include, by wayof example, technology for providing real-time location-specificdetermination of recreationally relevant wave characteristic data,portable and/or wearable devices configured to deliver notifications inrespect of approaching waves, wave monitoring devices and frameworksconfigured to enable generation of alert notifications for surfers, rockfishers and other recreational users, and generation and delivery oflocation-specific ocean wave data, including visual data for eventbroadcasts. While some embodiments will be described herein withparticular reference to those applications, it will be appreciated thatthe invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicablein broader contexts.

BACKGROUND

Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification shouldin no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known orforms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Ocean waves are influenced by a large number of factors, and arevolatile and unpredictable, varying greatly in size. Even in goodweather conditions, ocean recreationalists, such as surfers, rockfishers and boaters crossing sandbars are repeatedly caught off-guardand unaware of an incoming large wave.

The pursuit of surfing is beholden to the unpredictability of oceanwaves. Generally speaking, the larger the wave is, the further out itbreaks. “Sets” of waves may appear randomly and at sparse intervals,that can leave surfers out of position and not able to catch the bestquality waves that pass through.

As of 2016, studies reveal that there are on average 284 drowning deathsin Australia per year, of which approximately 40% were in coastalwaters. The pursuit of rock fishing is especially hazardous due to thenature of ocean waves, with participants often being washed into theocean by unanticipated waves. This in many instances results in death,with over 130 deaths from rock fishing in Australia over the past 10years. Unpredictability of the ocean also has a significant bearing on arange of other activities, for example including surfing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate atleast one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a usefulalternative.

One embodiment provides computer-implemented method for causing a userdevice to provide a notification, the method including:

accessing input data derived from one or more sensors, wherein the oneor more sensors are configured to provide data representative of waveactivity in a body of water, wherein the one or more sensors includesensors provided on one or more buoys located in a wave approach regionfor a notification zone;

processing the input data thereby to determine wave activity parameterdata for one or more waves approaching a notification zone;

based on the wave activity parameter data, determining attributes ofindividual waves; and

providing output data configured to enable a user of a networked deviceto view data representative of the attributes of the one or more waves.

One embodiment provides a method wherein the networked device includes awearable device configured to provide a surfer (for example a stand upsurfer or bodyboard surfer) with real-time information regardingapproaching waves.

One embodiment provides a method wherein the networked device includes acomputer system configured to provide, for a live surf event broadcast,real-time information regarding approaching waves.

One embodiment provides a method wherein the wherein the notificationzone includes a surf break.

One embodiment provides a method wherein the one or more sensorsprovided on one or more buoys include a GPS sensor and an IMU providedon a common buoy unit.

One embodiment provides a method wherein GPS data and IMU data is fusedtogether thereby to determine wave activity parameter data for one ormore waves approaching a notification zone.

One embodiment provides a method wherein attributes are provided foreach individual wave.

One embodiment provides a method wherein attributes are provided forsets defined by a periodically arriving groupings of relatively largerwaves.

One embodiment provides a method wherein attributes are provided foreach individual wave and for sets defined by a periodically arrivinggroupings of relatively larger waves.

One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for causing a userdevice to provide a notification, the method including:

accessing input data derived from one or more sensors, wherein the oneor more sensors are configured to provide data representative of waveactivity in a body of water;

processing the input data thereby to determine wave activity parameterdata for one or more waves approaching a notification zone;

based on the wave activity parameter data, determining that one or morewaves approaching the notification zone have predefined attributes; and

based on the determining that one or more waves approaching thenotification zone have predefined attributes, providing output dataconfigured to cause a portable user device in the notification zone toprovide a notification representative of the identifying of thethreshold deviation.

One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for causing a userdevice to provide a notification, the method including:

accessing input data derived from one or more sensors, wherein the oneor more sensors are configured to provide data representative of waveactivity in a body of water;

processing the input data thereby to determine wave activity parameterdata for one or more waves approaching a notification zone;

providing output data configured to cause a device in the notificationzone to provide a notification representative of the wave activityparameter data.

One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for analysing wavedata, the method including:

receiving input data representative of objectively measured wavecharacteristics for a given location, wherein the objectively measuredwave characteristics include a plurality of wave attribute dataelements;

receiving input data representative of identified wave characteristicsfor the given location;

time-reconciling the data representative of objectively measured wavecharacteristics with the input data representative of visuallyidentified wave characteristics;

tuning a wave prediction algorithm which includes variablescorresponding to the wave attribute data elements, thereby to applyweightings to one or more of the wave attribute data elements such thatan output of the wave prediction algorithm more closely reflects thevisually identified wave characteristics;

thereby to define a location-tuned wave prediction algorithm.

One embodiment provides a portable electronic device including

a communications module that is configured to receive datarepresentative of approaching ocean wave activity; and

an output device that is configured to provide a notification in thecase that approaching ocean wave activity has predefined attributes.

One embodiment provides a system configured to enabling analysing ofwave data, the method including:

one or more sensors that are configured to provide data representativeof wave activity in a body of water;

a processing unit that is configured to: (i) process the input datathereby to determine wave activity parameter data for one or more wavesapproaching a notification zone; and (ii) based on the wave activityparameter data, determining that one or more waves approaching thenotification zone have predefined attributes; and

a notification component, the notification delivery component beingconfigured to, based on the determining that one or more wavesapproaching the notification zone have predefined attributes, provideoutput data configured to cause a portable user device in thenotification zone to provide a notification representative of theidentifying of the threshold deviation.

One embodiment provides a system for enabling embedding of wave datainto a media stream, the system including:

one or more wave sensing devices, wherein the one or more wave sensingdevices are deployed on buoys located in a wave approach zone of acompetition area, wherein the one or more wave sensing devices areconfigured to record data representative of wave activity and transmitthat data wirelessly to a processing device;

a processing device that is configured to receive the datarepresentative of wave activity, and process that data thereby toprovide visually renderable data that is configured to be embedded in amedia stream.

One embodiment provides a computer program product for performing amethod as described herein.

One embodiment provides a non-transitory carrier medium for carryingcomputer executable code that, when executed on a processor, causes theprocessor to perform a method as described herein.

One embodiment provides a system configured for performing a method asdescribed herein.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “someembodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or moreembodiments.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinaladjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a commonobject, merely indicate that different instances of like objects arebeing referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects sodescribed must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, inranking, or in any other manner.

In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the termscomprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that meansincluding at least the elements/features that follow, but not excludingothers. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should notbe interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or stepslisted thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a devicecomprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only ofelements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes orthat includes as used herein is also an open term that also meansincluding at least the elements/features that follow the term, but notexcluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and meanscomprising.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providingexamples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplaryembodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed tonecessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a framework according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a framework according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C illustrates a framework according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1D illustrates a framework according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B schematically illustrate example usage environments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a method according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates, at least in some embodiments, to thegeneration of real time and post-processed information and electronicnotifications relating to general wave conditions in a localised area aswell as specific wave events. Embodiments have been developed primarilyto provide location-specific wave information relevant to recreation andoccupations around areas with wave activity, such as surfing and rockfishing.

In some embodiments, a framework is configured to enable analysis oflocal wave information (for example utilising one or more sensorsmounted to a buoy or buoys), thereby to make determinations/predictionsin relation to waves approaching a notification zone. For example, thisincludes determinations/predictions in relation to wave characteristics.Preferably this includes processing wave data to determine whethersensed data is representative of an approaching wave or waves that havecharacteristics of greater than threshold deviation from a definedbaseline. This is optionally implemented in the context of separatingapproaching “set wave activity” from “inter-set wave activity. In thisway, notifications can be triggered in response to identification of anoncoming set, thereby to warn one or more users in the notificationzone. As described below, users are notified via respective portabledevices, which preferably include wearable devices. Some embodimentsmake use of the likes of mobile apps which received notifications viathe Internet (and/or local networks), the apps executing on a range ofwearable and other forms of devices.

In a simple example use case, wearable devices are configured to connectto a local wireless network, thereby to initiate communications withother one or more other network devices which are configured to providelocation-specific wave notifications derived from processing of wavesensor data. The notifications provided include notificationsrepresentative of approaching waves. This is optionally a rudimentarynotification, for example an alert (e.g. visual, audible and/or haptic)which, in layman's terms, indicates “big waves approaching”, and mayalso include more detailed information about the relative size of a waveas a “rating”, and time to arrival. This is useful in a range ofsituations, including (but not limited to): alerting a rock fisherman topay particular attention to the ocean and avoid a dangerous wave;assisting a surfer in getting into position for set waves; and alertingsurf broadcasters (and other parties involved with competitive surfing)of upcoming potential scoring opportunities.

Example Frameworks

FIG. 1A illustrates a framework according to one embodiment. Thisframework centres upon a wave observation device 100. This waveobservation device is either integrated with an ocean-located device 110(such as a buoy), or provided by land-based computing infrastructurewhich is configured to receive input data from one or more ocean locateddevices (such as device 110). In the case of the latter, communicationbetween device 100 and device 110 are optionally configured tocommunicate over a range of communication mediums, such as radiocommunication, WiFi, and the like. In any case, device 110 provides todevice 100 input data derived from one or more sensors, wherein the oneor more sensors are configured to provide data representative of waveactivity in a body of water.

Although embodiments described herein focus on ocean-located devices,such as buoys, to provide data representative of wave activity, furtherembodiments make use of alternate wave monitoring sensors, optionallyincluding laser, sonar, and other techniques. Furthermore, although FIG.1A illustrates a single device 110, in some embodiments there aremultiple connected devices in the form of device 101.

Wave observation device 101 includes sensor input module 101, which areconfigured for accessing input data derived from one or more sensors,wherein the one or more sensors are configured to provide datarepresentative of wave activity in a body of water. Wave attributeprocessing hardware and software (for example a processor configured toexecute software instructions maintained on a memory module) isconfigured for processing the input data thereby to determine waveactivity parameter data for one or more waves approaching a notificationzone. The nature of wave activity parameter data and manner ofprocessing varies between embodiments, and examples are provided furtherbelow. Based on the wave activity parameter data, componentry 102 isconfigured for determining that one or more waves approaching thenotification zone have predefined attributes (for example based onrelative size, speed, period, direction, and the like).

A communications module 103 is configured to provide output based onwave attribute processing. For example, based on the determining thatone or more waves approaching the notification zone have predefinedattributes, output data is provided in a manner configured to cause aportable user device in the notification zone to provide a notificationrepresentative of the identifying of the threshold deviation. Thenotification may include, in some embodiments: a sound, a vibration, asignal via a LED indicator, or a digital display read out.

In the example of FIG. 1A, the output is provided (directly orindirectly) to a user device 120, which includes a communications module121. The manner by which communications modules 103 and 121 interactvaries between embodiments. Examples include:

-   -   Utilisation of a wireless networking protocol, such as WiFi,        such that devices 100 and 120 connect to a common wireless        network. This may be a wireless network provided by way of one        or more land-based routers and/or one or more buoy-based        routers.    -   Utilisation of radio wave communication by either or both of        devices 100 and 120. For example, wave/notification information        may be embedded into a radio signal outputted by device, and/or        embedded into a radio signal received by device 120. In some        embodiments an intermediary device perform a radio/WiFi        conversion role, for example where one of devices 100 and 120        connects to a WiFi network and the other relies on more        rudimentary radio communication.

More generally, communication may occur over a mobile network, providingdata through the internet or another accessible platform to smart,internet-connected devices through a mobile application or website.Information may also be transmitted directly from the buoy itself, toother devices, optionally in the form of light or sound based uponactivity at the wave detector.

Device 122 includes a processor 122 which is configured to determine amanner of function for an alert interface 123 in response to thereceived data. The nature of function and alert interface varies betweenembodiments, and examples are provided further below.

FIG. 1B illustrates a variation of the framework of FIG. 1A. In thisexample, wave observation device 100 is integrated with ocean-locateddevice 110, and wave attribute processing hardware/software 102 isprovided on land via a local wave information server 150 (which includesa communications module 151).

A further variation is provided in FIG. 1C, in which local waveinformation server 150 includes a notifications module 152.Notifications module 152 is configured to deliver tailored notificationsto a plurality of individual user devices such as device 120. Forexample, each device 120 includes a position locating module (forexample to allow locating technology such as Real-Time Kinematic GPS,GPS, A-GPS, WiFi/cellular/BLE triangulation, and so on). It should benoted that it is known to equip wave monitoring buoys with Real-TimeKinematic GPS positioning, thereby to enable Centimetre level oceansurface monitoring. Each user device 120 registers with server 150, andserver 150 maintains real-time (or close to real-time) datarepresentative of each device's respective position. In this manner,server 150 is able to determine relevance of wave parameter informationand/or notifications for each device 120, and tailor outputted data. Byway of example, factors such as wave speed, wave direction, and distancebetween a user device and a wave measurement location are able to beused as inputs when defining user-device location tailorednotifications.

The nature of portable device 120 varies between embodiments. Examplesinclude: existing networked devices, such as smartphones and the like;wearable technology such as smartwatches; and other devices that areable to receive data and in response provide notifications in a visual,audible and/or haptic form.

Example Wave Parameter Processing Methods

As noted, technology described herein is configured to access input dataderived from one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors areconfigured to provide data representative of wave activity in a body ofwater. The data representative of wave activity in a body of waterinclude data representative of: wave direction; wave speed; and waveheight. This is optionally measured by way of one or moreaccelerometers, which record the movement of a floating buoy, and henceallow determination of wave parameters.

In some embodiments, buoy sensor hardware includes a combination of oneor more of: accelerometers, gyroscopes, compass modules, and one or moreGPS receivers with advanced position solution methods for exampleReal-Time Kinematic GPS positioning). The data from all these sensors ispreferably be fused together to provide centimetre-level accuracy onboth the horizontal and vertical motion of the buoy in the water. Thisprovides a highly accurate surface-water waveform of the ocean wave.

In overview, the input data is processed thereby to determine waveactivity parameter data for one or more waves approaching a notificationzone. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, a wave sensor buoy 201 providesinput data, and this is processed for the purposes of determiningnotifications for a notification zone 202. A user device 203 is locatedwithin the notification zone. Although the notification zone is shown asbeing an oval, that is not intended to be limiting. For example, such isthe nature of wave movement, the notification zone may be of atrapezoidal, irregular, or even arbitrary shape. In some embodimentsmultiple notification zones are defined, and respective notificationdata defined for each of those (and notifications are delivered to auser device 203 dependant on a notification zone in which that device islocated).

In a preferred embodiment, wave parameters that are measured include

-   -   absolute height of a wave;    -   peak-to-trough height;    -   steepness of the wave on both the front and back faces;    -   width and/or volume of the wave;    -   horizontal displacement of water through the wave; and    -   speed of the wave;    -   a descriptor or value representative of an overall shape (or        anticipated breaking shape) of a wave;    -   Other qualitative and/or quantitative characteristics.

These parameters are also preferably correlated with data that is bespecific for each beach or other coastal activity spot, to determinewhat wave is of most concern (or interest) to users such as surfers,rock fishers and boaters. For example, waves of particular interest forsurfers at a barrelling reef break might have different characteristicsto waves of particular interest at a given beach break. Additionally,characteristics waves of concern to rock fishers may vary depending onthe nature of a particular spot. In some cases an initial configurationphase is implemented whereby a human observer records visually observedwave characteristics over a sample period, and uses that to assist inunderstanding of wave data collected during that sample period. Thecalibration process may also include deploying a secondary sensingdevice closer to the surf-break location for data validation.

The example of FIG. 2A is intended to represent a surfing line-up, wherea user is located in the water. The example of FIG. 2B, on the otherhand, is representative of a rock-fishing environment, where a buoy 210is offshore of a notification zone in the form of a rock-shelf 211 onwhich a user 212 is located. It will be appreciated that, whilst thenotification zone is practically defined as a rock-shelf (having anirregular shape), notifications are in effect defined based anapproximation of the rock shelf's edge relative to device buoy 210.

The speed of the wave is correlated, among other things, to the size ofthe wave and the depth of the water. Normal ocean waves may have a speedrange of 5-10 m/s. Based on mathematical models and experimental datafrom a specific location, the time for a wave to reach the user isreadily determined.

To provide the user with enough notice, the buoy is in some embodimentslocated in a position that gives the user from a nominal range of 20seconds up to 60 seconds of warning. For a normal case of 30 seconds ofwarning with waves travelling at 7.5 m/s, this would have the buoyideally 30×7.5=225 m away from the surfing “line-up”, rock shelf, otherlocation where the waves break, or other location of interest.

As noted, wave data derived from sensors on a buoy such as buoy 201 or210 is processed to derive wave activity parameter data, and determinewhether one or more waves approaching the notification zone havepredefined attributes. The predefined attributes preferably include wavesize parameters (for example based on one or more of amplitude,wavelength and period) of greater than a threshold deviation from ahistorical baseline. The historical baseline is preferably defined overa weighed period. For example:

-   -   Wave activity over a first preceding period (for example a most        recent 20 minutes) is applied a first weighting.    -   Wave activity over a second preceding period is applied a lower        second weighting (for example a most recent hour, or an hour        preceding the most recent 20 minutes).    -   Wave activity over a third preceding period (for example        spanning several hours) is applied a still lower third        weighting.

A preferred embodiment applies a continuous calibration and weightingdepending on the most recent 1-2 hours of data, calibrated with knowntidal data.

Preferably, the historical baseline is representative of non-set waveactivity over a historical period. In that regard, the term “set waveactivity” is used to describe wave activity representing close temporalproximity waves within a first approximate size range, and “non-set waveactivity” is used to describe remainder background wave activity. Thatis, over a period of time T₀ to T_(n′) there will be one or more setwave time periods of T_(i) to T_(j) which include one or a group ofwaves in a first size range, and two or more time periods outside of thetime periods T_(i) to T_(j) representing waves in a second (smaller)size range. This allows for determination of the following aspects ofinformation:

-   -   Observation that one or more set waves are approaching a        notification area.    -   Comparison of approaching set waves with preceding set waves        (for example bigger/smaller than last set, bigger/smaller than        average over past hour, etc).    -   A count of the number of waves in an approaching set.    -   A prediction of which wave in a set is the largest.

In some embodiments, inter-set periods are measured and analysis,thereby to provide data representative of regularity of sets, which isoptionally used to provide prediction of timing for a yet-to-be-observedset.

The output data is preferably configured to cause a portable user devicein the notification zone to provide a notification representative one ormore approaching set waves (for example limited to the fact that a setis approaching, and/or set attributes such as those noted in the bulletpoints above).

Example Hardware and Operation

Embodiments include buoy hardware. One example embodiment makes use ofreal-time RTK GPS for buoy positioning, involving a live base-stationfeed as well as on-board RTK-capable GPS unit. This optionally includesan unconventional implementation of RTK technology whereby multi-kilobit(>10 kbps) low-latency live data streaming is provided, which is notavailable on conventional buoy systems. This is configured to provideabsolute spatial information for the buoy (rather than relative motion,used by conventional wave buoys), and this allows for forms of waveinterpretation which are adapted to provide a form of accuracy andinterpretability suited to the present purposes (which are focussed onattributes of individual waves and sets for recreational purposes, wheredetailed/special wave attributes are of importance). For example, thebuoy is equally capable of low and high frequency measurements, unlikefrequency-filtered calculations used by other systems; multi-kilobit(>10 kbps) low-latency live data streaming provides for sub-cm positioncalculations in three dimensions in real time.

An example embodiment is additionally configured to merge of GPS and IMU(inertial measurement unit) data (using GPS components described above,and on on-board IMU). Preferably, GPS data is accumulated at rate of 2Hz, IMU data is captured at rate of 10 Hz or 20 Hz, and the data isfused using a Kalman filter. Combination of GPS and IMU sensors providesfor improved accuracy, reduced errors, and redundancy. This is able tobe achieved via a low-cost IMU system in combination with GPS enhancedby live-streaming and off-board processing.

Example Wave “Quality” Determination

In some embodiments, a “quality focussed” wave analysis approach isemployed, this being a fundamentally different way of measuring waveevents compared with conventional wave buoys (for example those used formeteorological purposes). Determining whether a wave or a set is goingto be perfect to surf, how it is going to break, whether it poses a riskto rock-fishers, could cause erosion etc, must consider an entirelydifferent set of wave factors other than just “wave height”. Forexample, a “gentle hill” of a wave, although it may be tall, will behaveentirely differently than a steep, short wave pulse that pulls a lot ofwater into the wave as it breaks.

Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include technologyconfigured to measure multiple elements of an ocean swell that determinewave qualities including:

-   -   Front face height (trough to peak, Δh1)    -   Back face height (peak to trough, Δh2)    -   Time from trough to peak (Δt1) and peak to trough (Δt2)    -   Steepness of the wave (Δh1/Δt1), (Δh2/Δt2)    -   Horizontal displacement of surface water leading in to the wave        (pull, Δx1) and over the top of the wave (push, Δx2)    -   Regularity/smoothness of the overall shape of the wave    -   Absolute levels of the ocean before (Ht1), during (HP) and after        (Ht2) the wave, to determine how much water has been drained        into the wave and ocean depth, which determines where the wave        breaks    -   Estimate for the travelling speed of the wave

A metric of the “quality” of the wave mathematically derived frompolynomial combination of some or all of these factors. For example, inone example a wave factor “K” is determined as follows:

$K = {{a\;\Delta\; h_{1}} + {b\;\Delta\; h_{2}} + {c\frac{\Delta\; h_{1}}{\Delta\; t_{1}}} + {d\frac{\Delta\; h_{2}}{\Delta\; t_{2}}} + {e\;\Delta\; x_{1}} + {f\;\Delta\; x_{2}}}$

In this equation, a, b, c, d, e and f are empirical and/or derivedconstants from wave mathematics and beach calibration. It should beappreciated that this is an example only.

Calculations are preferably conducted on a wave-by-wave basis (ratherthan summed across a large data set) to allow for individual waveinterpretations, allowing for insights into waves. This is used in thecontext of example applications described herein, for example web-basednotifications, wearable device notifications, and in the context of livebroadcast event coverage.

Example Use Cases

A number of example use cases are described below. It will beappreciated that various features described in respect of these usecases are interchangeable thereby to define further embodiments. Thatis, each use case provides an illustrative combination of features thatare able to be applied across a range of embodiments.

Example Use Case 1: Rock Fishing

A sensor-equipped buoy is installed approximately 150 m offshore from aknown popular rock fishing location. The buoy is solar powered, andconfigured to continuously monitor wave activity, and periodicallytransmit a beacon signal representative of wave activity upon exceptionconditions being met (for example upon observation of incoming setwaves, or waves of greater then threshold size increase differentialfrom preceding waves). A user device, in the form of a wristband (or, infurther examples, any internet-connect smart device), is configured toreceive the beacon signal, and provide a warning indicator visually andwith sound. A large wave triggers the warning, which gives the rockfisher enough notice to clear the area and avoid the possibility ofbeing swept off the rocks by a large wave.

Example Use Case 2: Recreational Surfing

A sensor-equipped buoy is installed approximately 250 m offshore from aknown popular surfing location. The buoy is solar powered, andconfigured to continuously monitor wave activity, and periodicallytransmit a beacon signal representative of wave activity upon exceptionconditions being met (for example upon observation of incoming setwaves, or waves of greater then threshold size increase differentialfrom preceding waves). The beacon signal is received by a shore-basedprocessing unit (for example a personal computer housed in a securelocation). The shore-based processing unit provides a local wirelessnetwork (for example WiFi or Class 1 Bluetooth), which enablescommunication with one or more users' waterproof wearable devices (forexample a wristband configured to provide visual/audible and/or hapticfeedback). The shore-based processing unit provides wave notifications,for example representing approaching set waves and/or characteristics ofapproaching sets. Optionally, users register with different accountprivileges (for example based on the nature of their devices, orsubscription fees) to receive information with differing levels ofdetail.

Example Use Case 3: Performance Surfing

A user releases a battery powered sensor unit mounted to a buoy in alocation approximately 150 m offshore from a surfing location. Thesensor unit provides a WiFi or Bluetooth network to which the userconnects via a wearable device. The user receives real-time updates andstatistics regarding wave activity, including wave direction and size.

Example Use Case 4: Professional Surfing

A user releases a battery powered sensor unit mounted to a buoy in alocation approximately 350 m offshore from a surfing location. Thesensor unit provides a WiFi or Bluetooth network, enabling delivery ofreal-time wave notifications to a computing system. This enables acommentary team of a broadcast surfing event to receive wave analytics,for example to enable prediction of upcoming scoring wave activityand/or perform detailed analytics on waves that were surfed bycompetitors.

Example Method—Deviation Reporting

FIG. 3A illustrates a method according to one embodiment. This method isperformed based on execution of computer executable code (softwareinstructions) by one or more computing devices. For example, the methodmay be performed by a networked device that is configured to both (i)receive sensor data representative of wave activity; and (ii) providenotifications to a user device.

Sensor data representative of wave activity is received at 301. As notedabove, this may include (or be derived from) data including thefollowing characteristics:

-   -   absolute height of a wave;    -   peak-to-trough height;    -   steepness of the wave on both the front and back faces;    -   width and/or volume of the wave;    -   horizontal displacement of water through the wave; and    -   speed of the wave.

Wave parameters are then determined at 302. The wave parameters mayinclude the characteristics above, or one or more derived values thatare calculated based upon the characteristics above. For example, insome embodiments sample wave data is analysis, for instance by referenceto visually derived sample data, thereby to tune wave analysisalgorithms to account for particular locations (including accounting fortidal variances and the like). This allows for location-specificmeasures of wave parameters that are relevant to particular activities(such as a wave parameter that is relevant to the propensity of a waveto be of concern to a rock fisher).

Block 303 represents comparing current wave parameters to historicalwave parameters, thereby to determine (at 304) whether the current waveparameters present greater than a threshold deviation thereby to warrantthe defining and delivery (see 305 and 306) of notification data. Forexample: the threshold deviation may be configured to report on: (i)identified set wave activity; (ii) a wave of greater than thresholdincrease in a size/power parameter compared with a preceding 20 minuteaverage (or other preceding period); (iii) a wave of greater thanthreshold increase in a size/power parameter compared with a preceding“n” waves (for example with “n” between 2 and 10). In some embodimentsthe comparison may also include a comparison with calibrated datapredefined with respect to a particular beach. For example, waveobservations during an calibration analysis period are calibrated usingsecondary sensors and/or visual observations, and that calibration datais used to assist in analysis of wave data during a subsequent period.

In some embodiments, a method may also involve “ranking” the wave basedon a scale determined by the conditions of the day and previous waves,to produce a percentile that the wave occupies for its size and strengthwith respect to other waves. This is optionally combined with anestimation for how often it is likely that this wave occurs. Forexample, it may be determined that this is a wave that occurs with acertain regularity, such as “once every 10 minutes”, “once every half anhour”, “once every two hours” etc, or on the other hand, a wave beingestimated as “in the top 5%” of waves for a particular day. Thisinformation may be provided to the end user through the notification toassist them in making a judgement about the wave (and/or strategicpositioning in a line-up). For “set” wave activity, each wave in the setmay be analysed an comparative information on the size of each of thewaves in the set may also be reported to the user.

Advantageously, a user of such technology is provided with usefulobjective wave data for an approaching wave, potentially even beforethat wave is able to be visually observed. So as to provide a practicalexample, at some surf breaks there are multiple take-off locations, andthese differ in terms of how they handle waves of varying direction andsize. A user is hence able to adjust his/her position at the surf breakwith advance warning of oncoming wave characteristics, thereby tomaximise opportunity of being in the correct take-off position for asensed oncoming wave.

The defining and transmission of notification data varies betweenembodiments based on implementation determinations. For example, in someembodiments a threshold deviation simply leads to a signal that causes ageneric alert (e.g. haptic, visual and/or audible) at a user device(such as a wearable device), whereas in other embodiments thenotification includes additional details such as predicted wavecharacteristics, comparison to wave characteristics over a precedingperiod (for instance to indicate bigger sets from smaller sets), and soon.

Example Method—Location-Specific Tuning and Reporting

FIG. 3B illustrates a method according to one embodiment. This method isalso performed based on execution of computer executable code (softwareinstructions) by one or more computing devices. For example, the methodmay be performed by a networked device that is configured to both (i)receive sensor data representative of wave activity; and (ii) providenotifications to a user device.

The method of FIG. 3B relates to location-specific tuning and reportingon wave data. Functional block 310 represents collection of wave dataduring one or more sample periods, using wave sensing hardware such asis described above (e.g. wave buoys and the like). As noted above, thismay include (or be derived from) data including the followingcharacteristics:

-   -   absolute height of a wave;    -   peak-to-trough height;    -   steepness of the wave on both the front and back faces;    -   width and/or volume of the wave;    -   horizontal displacement of water through the wave; and    -   speed of the wave;    -   a descriptor or value representative of an overall shape (or        anticipated breaking shape) of a wave;    -   Other qualitative and/or quantitative characteristics.

Functional block 313 represents inputting of visual observation data forthe same sample periods. For example, a human user observes waves duringthe sample periods, and records time specific visual observations (suchas estimated observed wave height, wave character from a surfingstandpoint, and so on). Preferably the sample periods are representativeof different external influencing conditions, such as: (i) tide height;(ii) tide direction; (iii) tide rate of change; (iv) wind direction. Itwill be appreciated that the greater the granularity in sample periods,the more effective the overall process becomes. The calibration processmay also include deploying a secondary sensing device closer to thesurf-break location for data validation.

Based on comparison of the wave data and visual observations, waveanalysis algorithms are able to be tuned in a location (and/orcondition) specific manner, thereby to enable accuracy-optimised wavereporting. This is optionally used for either or both of the followingpurposes:

-   -   Configuring a web portal to provide accurate location-specific        wave condition reporting (block 315). This may include factors        such as wave type (e.g. crumbling or barrelling), set wave        frequency, set wave average height (surfing height), and other        factors relevant to surfing or another activity. It will be        appreciated that various aspects of the technology described        herein may be applied in the context of general surf conditions        reporting, as opposed to purely being applied to point-in-time        approaching wave notifications.    -   Configuring location-specific personal device (e.g. wearable or        smartphone) point-in-time approaching wave notifications, for        example as described further above.

Tuning of wave prediction algorithms based on a comparison ofexperimental (e.g. visual) data enables an improved location specificunderstanding of how measurable wave attributes affect practical(recreationally relevant) wave attributes at a particular spot. That is,whilst raw wave data may be identical, the algorithms used to providemeaningful recreational wave information will vary between locations,for example because of how a particular reef or sandbar causes waves tobreak. This is preferably accounted for by initially generating astandardised wave prediction algorithm (e.g. using measurable wavecharacteristics noted above), and applying parameterised weighting tothose characteristics in the algorithm. For example, it may be foundthat steepness of the front face of a wave has a significant effect onthe height of a breaking wave at Spot A, but no significant effect onthe height of a breaking wave at Spot B (where, for example, speed ofthe wave is a more important factor).

Application to Broadcast of Surfing Events

As noted above, in some embodiments technology described herein isapplied in the context of professional surfing, which optionallyincludes surfing events (such as competitions) that are broadcast (forexample live broadcast, including online streaming).

As noted above, in one example implementation in the context ofcompetitive surfing includes deploying a battery powered sensor unitmounted to a buoy in a location offshore from a surfing location (forexample about 350 m in the case of a beach break; the precise locationmay vary depending on wave mechanics of a particular competition venue).The sensor unit provides a WiFi or Bluetooth network, enabling deliveryof real-time wave notifications to a computing system. This enables acommentary team of a broadcast surfing event to receive wave analytics,for example to enable prediction of upcoming scoring wave activityand/or perform detailed analytics on waves that were surfed bycompetitors.

In the example of FIG. 1D, data from a wave observation device 100 isstreamed in real time to a data centre 180, which includes one or morecomputing terminals. Data centre 180 includes wave attribute processinghardware/software 181. This is configured to receive wave attribute datafrom device 100, and analyses that data (for example as describedabove). This optionally includes making wave attribute predictions (suchas height/power/etc) for waves that are approaching a competition area,providing metrics for waves that have been surfed by competitors, andproviding historical data (for example recorded observations regardingdelays between sets, biggest waves, patterns in inter-set wave sizes,set characteristics, wave directions, and so on). The manner by whichhardware/software 181 is configured is preferably tailored forparticular locations, based on known wave mechanics for those locations.For example, an algorithm is in some embodiments configured to monitorfor waves having particular size characteristics and particulardirection characteristics.

Data centre 180 is configured to process the wave data, and transformthat data into data representative of presentable information to bedisplayed (for example overlayed) on a televised/streamed broadcast. Inthe example of FIG. 1D, an operator interface is provided thereby toenable manual modification/control/tuning of this data. For example, anoperator is provided with instructions to generate a particular form ofwave analysis, and provides that in an on-demand capacity.

Data centre 180 is in communications with a broadcast server 190 viacommunications modules 182 and 191. Displayable data generated by datacentre 180 (including overlays, animations, and the like) is then ableto be embedded into broadcast data (for example by way of an overlay) byway of overlay control modules 192, with the broadcast data beingoutputted via broadcast/streaming modules 194.

By way of example, the visual information provided by data centre 180and output via server 190 may include:

-   -   Wave forms of imminently incoming waves, as accurately measured        by the sensing device.    -   Wave statistics, such as wave heights, in the time leading up to        a competition round.    -   Notifications on incoming set activity that is of interest to        surf commentators and the viewing public.    -   Statistics on any particular surfer's chosen waves and resulting        scores (for example the size/attributes of each wave a surfer        caught, correlation between the size/attributes of a wave caught        and the score given, and/or probabilities of any particular        surfer winning a heat based on catching waves of a particular        size).

Waves that surfers ride during a competition are matched to wavesmeasured by the sensing device, by knowing the speed of the wave,distance from the buoy to the break and the time the wave was caught bythe surfer.

It will be appreciated that, in this manner, data provided by sensingdevice 100 allows for in depth wave metric analysis for waves surfed(and scored) during a competition, in addition to predictive commentaryregarding approaching waves (sensed), likelihood of approaching waves(based on historical data), and/or attributes of a wave required toreach a particular score (based on historical wave metric vs. scorecomparisons).

CONCLUSIONS AND INTERPRETATION

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specificationdiscussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“calculating,” “determining”, analyzing” or the like, refer to theaction and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similarelectronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform datarepresented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other datasimilarly represented as physical quantities.

In a similar manner, the term “processor” may refer to any device orportion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registersand/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronicdata that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A “computer”or a “computing machine” or a “computing platform” may include one ormore processors.

The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performableby one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also calledmachine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that whenexecuted by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of themethods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenare included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system thatincludes one or more processors. Each processor may include one or moreof a CPU, a graphics processing unit, and a programmable DSP unit. Theprocessing system further may include a memory subsystem including mainRAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM. A bus subsystem may be included forcommunicating between the components. The processing system further maybe a distributed processing system with processors coupled by a network.If the processing system requires a display, such a display may beincluded, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube(CRT) display. If manual data entry is required, the processing systemalso includes an input device such as one or more of an alphanumericinput unit such as a keyboard, a pointing control device such as amouse, and so forth. Input devices may also include audio/video inputdevices, and/or devices configured to derive information relating tocharacteristics/attributes of a human user. The term memory unit as usedherein, if clear from the context and unless explicitly statedotherwise, also encompasses a storage system such as a disk drive unit.The processing system in some configurations may include a sound outputdevice, and a network interface device. The memory subsystem thusincludes a computer-readable carrier medium that carriescomputer-readable code (e.g., software) including a set of instructionsto cause performing, when executed by one or more processors, one ofmore of the methods described herein. Note that when the method includesseveral elements, e.g., several steps, no ordering of such elements isimplied, unless specifically stated. The software may reside in the harddisk, or may also reside, completely or at least partially, within theRAM and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the computersystem. Thus, the memory and the processor also constitutecomputer-readable carrier medium carrying computer-readable code.

Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be includedin a computer program product.

In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as astandalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to otherprocessor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors mayoperate in the capacity of a server or a user machine in server-usernetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer ordistributed network environment. The one or more processors may form apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, anetwork router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing aset of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to betaken by that machine.

Note that while diagrams only show a single processor and a singlememory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art willunderstand that many of the components described above are included, butnot explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventiveaspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussedherein.

Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in theform of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set ofinstructions, e.g., a computer program that is for execution on one ormore processors, e.g., one or more processors that are part of webserver arrangement. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method,an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as adata processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium, e.g., acomputer program product. The computer-readable carrier medium carriescomputer readable code including a set of instructions that whenexecuted on one or more processors cause the processor or processors toimplement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention maytake the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carriermedium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storagemedium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via anetwork interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in anexemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “carrier medium”should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“carrier medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that iscapable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions forexecution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one ormore processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of thepresent invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including butnot limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmissionmedia. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical, magneticdisks, and magneto-optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamicmemory, such as main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables,copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bussubsystem. Transmission media also may also take the form of acoustic orlight waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared datacommunications. For example, the term “carrier medium” shall accordinglybe taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, acomputer product embodied in optical and magnetic media; a mediumbearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of oneor more processors and representing a set of instructions that, whenexecuted, implement a method; and a transmission medium in a networkbearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of theone or more processors and representing the set of instructions.

It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performedin one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of aprocessing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions(computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understoodthat the invention is not limited to any particular implementation orprogramming technique and that the invention may be implemented usingany appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality describedherein. The invention is not limited to any particular programminglanguage or operating system.

It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplaryembodiments of the invention, various features of the invention aresometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIG., or descriptionthereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in theunderstanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. Thismethod of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed invention requires more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a singleforegoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the DetailedDescription are hereby expressly incorporated into this DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some butnot other features included in other embodiments, combinations offeatures of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope ofthe invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood bythose skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any ofthe claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method orcombination of elements of a method that can be implemented by aprocessor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out thefunction. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carryingout such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying outthe method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element describedherein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carryingout the function performed by the element for the purpose of carryingout the invention.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are setforth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown indetail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in theclaims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connectionsonly. The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives,may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intendedas synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device Acoupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systemswherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input ofdevice B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A andan input of B which may be a path including other devices or means.“Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are either in directphysical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not indirect contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact witheach other.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other and further modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intendedto claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scopeof the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merelyrepresentative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may beadded or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may beinterchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted tomethods described within the scope of the present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for causing auser device to provide a notification, the method including: accessinginput data derived from one or more sensors, wherein the one or moresensors are configured to provide data representative of wave activityin a body of water, wherein the one or more sensors include sensorsprovided on one or more buoys located in a wave approach region for anotification zone; processing the input data thereby to determine waveactivity parameter data for one or more waves approaching a notificationzone; based on the wave activity parameter data, determining attributesof individual waves; and providing output data configured to enable auser of a networked device to view data representative of the attributesof the one or more waves; wherein the input data includes, for each ofthe one or more buoys, multi-kilobit live-streamed GPS data thatprovides absolute spatial information for the buoy.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein processing the input data includesprocessing of the GPS data thereby to determine wave activity parameterdata for one or more waves approaching a notification zone.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the networked device is configuredto render a display that representative of individual wave attributesand an estimated time to arrival of those individual waves at a physicallocation.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the networkeddevice includes a wearable device configured to provide a surfer withreal-time information regarding approaching waves.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the networked device includes a computersystem configured to provide real-time information regarding approachingwaves.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the attributes areprovided for each individual wave.
 7. The method according to claim 1wherein the attributes are provided for each individual wave and forsets defined by a periodically arriving groupings of relatively largerwaves.
 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the attributes forindividual waves are determined via processing of centimetre-accurateGPS data that is live streamed via a wireless network.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the one or more sensors include a sensordevice that is configured to real-time RTK GPS thereby to determinecentimetre-accurate buoy positioning, and deliver that data wirelesslyvia multi-kilobit low-latency live data streaming.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the data representative of wave activity ina body of water includes data representative of one or more of thefollowing: wave direction; wave speed; wave height; wave period; and aprediction on the overall size and quality of the breaking wave.
 11. Amethod according to claim 1 the processing device performs processing ofthe GPS data thereby to determine wave activity parameter data for oneor more waves approaching a notification zone.
 12. A wave monitoringdevice including: a buoy body configured to float in a body of water; aGPS unit carried by the buoy body; a communications module that isconfigured to transmit wirelessly to a processing device GPS data thatprovides absolute spatial information for the buoy, wherein theprocessing device is configured to perform processing of the GPS datathereby to determine wave activity parameter data for one or more wavesapproaching a notification zone; wherein the wireless transmission ofGPS data is multi-kilobit live-streamed centimetre-accurate GPS data.13. The wave monitoring device according to claim 12 wherein the GPSunit is a RTK-capable GPS unit.
 14. The wave monitoring device accordingto claim 12 wherein the processing device is configured to determinewave attributes for each of a plurality of waves approaching a locationdefined relative to the buoy body.